Week in Charts Lecture Notes
Host: Charlie Blell
Introduction
- Recap of weekly charts and themes.
- Promotion for Creative Planning services:
- Free wealth path analysis.
- Portfolio, retirement, tax, insurance, and estate planning review.
- Coverage across all 50 states with over $300 billion in assets under management.
Topics Discussed
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Inflation Trends
- Headline inflation downtrend continues.
- Lowest rate of inflation since February 2021 at 2.5%.
- Core CPI slightly disappointing at 3.3%.
- Notable declines in energy prices and used cars.
- Shelter component slightly increased, impacting core CPI.
- Auto insurance rates up 51% over three years.
- Health insurance premiums reported as down, but this is disputed.
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Federal Reserve (Fed) Actions
- Upcoming FOMC meeting; public poll results on rate adjustments.
- Market expectations split on 25 or 50 basis point cuts.
- Discussion on Fed's potential actions vs. what they should do.
- Impact of inflation trends on Fed decisions.
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Federal Deficit and Spending
- Recent increase in federal spending and deficits.
- Current deficit at $2 trillion during economic expansion.
- National debt concerns with potential recession impacts.
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Currency and Markets
- U.S. dollar trends lower with real interest rates.
- Gold and Bitcoin benefiting from current economic conditions.
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Big Tech Performance
- NASDAQ 100's unprecedented decade of growth.
- Top performers: NVIDIA, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, Apple, Google.
- Historical trends and future expectations for tech stocks.
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Watch Market Trends
- Rolex watch prices peaked in March 2022, down 30% since.
- Increased supply and potential decreases in demand.
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Consumer Financial Health
- Rising delinquencies and lower savings rates.
- Credit card and auto loan delinquencies highest in over a decade.
- Big Lots bankruptcy as a reflection of consumer struggles.
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Positive Economic Indicators
- Wages outpacing inflation for 16 consecutive months.
- Lower food price inflation.
- Real wage gains as a sign of prosperity.
Conclusion
- Encouragement to subscribe for more content.
- Optimism for continued positive economic trends.
Note: These notes are summarized for educational purposes focusing on key points from the lecture. For a more detailed analysis, consider engaging with specific economic reports or financial advisories.